Resentment

How Chinese medicine differentiates resentment (held-in anger and bitterness) into the four patterns described for it, and the points for each. Distinct from this site's Anger, Sadness and Grief pages. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. Long-standing resentment, rage or depressive feelings that affect daily life or relationships are best supported by counselling or mental-health care; acupuncture is a complement only.

General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for resentment — 3 key points, used across the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

Point	Key action
LIV-3	Subdues Liver-Yang. Extinguishes interior Wind. Promotes the smooth flow of Liver-Qi.
L.I.-4	Expels exterior Wind and releases the Exterior. Promotes the diffusing of Lung-Qi, regulates the Defensive Qi and sweating. Stops pain.
P-6	Opens the chest and moves Qi and Blood. Calms the Mind. Moves Liver-Qi.

The Four Patterns

↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.

1. Liver Qi Stagnation View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Frequent sighing; rib and flank distension; mood swings with irritability; a lump-in-the-throat sensation; pre-menstrual breast tenderness; irregular or painful periods.

Tongue: Normal or slightly dark with red sides, thin white coat. Pulse: Wiry.

Treatment principle: Courses the Liver and resolves constraint, nourishes Blood and strengthens the Spleen.

LIV-3 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓

Note: no moxa.

2. Liver Qi Stagnation Turning into Heat View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Explosive irritability; bitter taste; burning rib pain; red face and bloodshot eyes; difficulty falling asleep with vivid dreams; dry mouth and throat.

Tongue: Red, redder sides, yellow coat. Pulse: Wiry and rapid.

Treatment principle: Courses the Liver, resolves constraint, clears Liver Heat and nourishes Blood.

LIV-3 ↓ LIV-2 ↓ P-6 ↓

Note: no moxa.

3. Spleen Qi Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Poor appetite; abdominal bloating after eating; loose stools; fatigue; pale complexion; heavy limbs.

Tongue: Pale, puffy, tooth-marked, thin white coat. Pulse: Weak and soft.

Treatment principle: Tonifies Qi, strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach.

ST-36 ↑ SP-6 ↑ BL-20 ↑

Note: moxa is appropriate.

4. Heart Fire Blazing View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Mouth and tongue ulcers with red raised edges; palpitations with a sensation of chest heat; mental restlessness; insomnia with dream disturbance.

Tongue: Red with a distinctly redder tip and red points, dry yellow coat. Pulse: Rapid, forceful and overflowing.

Treatment principle: Clears Heart Fire, nourishes Yin and promotes urination.

HE-7 ↓ HE-8 ↓

Note: no moxa.

Related conditions

Spot an error, or have more to add? Send it to admin on WhatsApp and it'll be corrected/added here.

+91 99083 14510